Torrential rains in eastern Spain caused floods on Thursday, sweeping away cars and leading to the evacuation of schools and closure of roads. The state weather agency Aemet issued orange alerts for parts of Murcia, Valencia, and Catalonia as officials urged residents to remain indoors.
The situation evoked memories of a devastating event in Valencia four months prior, which claimed the lives of more than 220 people. Concerns lingered following last year’s deadly natural disaster, with authorities criticized for delayed warnings.
Footage aired on local TV captured dramatic scenes of cars being carried away by the flooded river Lorca in Murcia. Local firefighters rescued a woman trapped in a vehicle, while another man needed a tractor to be saved from his flooded field.
Fernando Lopez Miras, president of the Murcia region, reassured the public of no casualties on Thursday, apart from a tragic incident earlier in the week. Aemet highlighted the unexpectedly high rainfall, with some areas receiving 120mm within 12 hours, surpassing the typical spring rainfall.
The weather agency warned of continued heavy rains nationwide until the weekend due to a new weather system approaching from the west.